Melbourne International Jazz Festival

Overview

Once again the Spirit of Jazz has come to inhabit us all during the first week of June for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. The festival will be sprawled out all over the city, with events held in concert halls, arts venues, jazz clubs and throughout the city's streets. Now in its 17th year, the festival encourages all ages to find their groove and get down with a huge variety of events that will engage both jazz noobs and well established scatmen and women.

Davi Sings Sinatra is sure to be a highlight for those who enjoy Ol’ Blue Eyes and The Great American Songbook. Robert Davi, an actor most noted for playing tough guys, will bring his swagger and classically trained pipes to St Kilda’s Palais Theatre for one night only. Here, you can expect classics such as 'I’ve Got The World On A String', 'Witchcraft' and 'Day In Day Out' pour from his lips like a smoky single malt.

If jazz beckons you to get up and shake it loose, you can’t miss 774’s Swing Noir. Hosted by the effervescent Hilary Harper the evening will be filled with gypsy swing and local jazz heroes Ultrafox and Swingville getting everybody on the dancefloor. From there, the Swing Patrol instructors will teach you the classic steps of the charleston, and ABC’s dance diva DJ Miss Sugar Puss will be spinning seductive jazz throughout the night.

Obviously there's plenty more to see and do at this year’s festival. With a range of free concerts, modern masters, club sessions, family events, artist workshops and films on show, you'll be able to rival the jazz knowledge of Howard Moon in no time.

Melbourne International Jazz Festival is running in various venues across the city from May 30 till June 8. Check out the full program on their website.